EAST GREENWICH, RI (October 21, 2025) — A tractor-trailer rollover on Interstate 95 North in East Greenwich sent five people to the hospital Tuesday afternoon, according to the Rhode Island State Police.
Accident Details: The crash occurred around 1:23 p.m. near Exit 24. Authorities said two passenger cars first collided, prompting vehicles behind them to slow. A tractor-trailer carrying gravel was unable to stop in time and struck one of the slowing cars, causing the truck to overturn and spill its load across the highway.
Emergency crews responded quickly to clear debris and assist those hurt. Five individuals were transported to a nearby hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening. The tractor-trailer driver received a citation for operating an overweight vehicle.
The cleanup and vehicle removal forced a closure of northbound lanes until about 4:50 p.m., leading to extended traffic delays in the area. Crews used heavy equipment to remove the gravel before reopening the roadway.
Investigation: Rhode Island State Police are reviewing evidence to determine how the initial collision between the two cars occurred and whether driver speed or distance played a role in the chain reaction that followed. Crash reconstruction teams are analyzing vehicle data and examining braking marks left at the scene.
Authorities are also assessing whether the truck’s weight contributed to its inability to stop in time. Results from the inspection will be added to the final crash report.
Legal Considerations: Multi-vehicle incidents that begin with a small impact can escalate quickly when large trucks are nearby. Investigators may review whether the tractor-trailer was operating within safety standards and if the overweight condition affected braking performance.
In cases like this, liability can hinge on the order of impact—who initiated the first collision, how subsequent drivers responded, and whether any commercial vehicle violations influenced the chain of events. Truck operators are subject to state and federal rules on load weight, maintenance, and following distance, which may factor into findings from this investigation.
Highway pileups caused by cargo spills can also lead to secondary claims for property damage or cleanup costs once responsibility is established.
We wish those injured in this crash a smooth recovery and thank the first responders who worked to restore safety on the roadway.
Source: ABC 6 / WLNE News